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Boar's Head Fell Race

Ged Cudahey

Report: Isaac

A visit to Lyme Park on a summers evening with the sun sinking in the sky is supposed to be a gentle and peaceful family event for most, not so for those from Stockport Harriers meeting to battle against a course featuring The Cage, Bowstones and every hill and valley between.

Once again Ged Cudahey (pictured) proved to be 'King of The Mountains' with yet another fine performance from start to finish - 2nd Harrier home was Len Best close to the 50 minute barrier on a relatively dry but very challenging course.

The competition out on the course was fierce with only 5 minutes separating the next 13 Harriers athletes - Rob Taylor having a particularly good race.

Some praise must also go to Lee Barratt finishing close behind Mike and Pete Nixon and ignoring doctors orders of 'complete rest' to beat Tony Lee (using his new Puma Trailfox for the first time).

"Queen of the Mountains" was Estelle Maguire finishing 2nd lady overall, even finding time to stop and see if a fellow athlete who had taken a fall was OK, before running straight over him and on to the finish line.

Boars Head team

Lots more club photos from the Boar's Head. Click here

The number of Harriers taking part in these excellently organised events continues to grow week on week - but come on ladies you are currently being outnumbered by the weaker sex!

The next event is one of the toughest around "The Kinder Trog" starting on Sunday 18 June at 11:00 from Hayfield Scout Hut Car Park with nearly 3,500 feet of climb over a 16 mile breathtaking course - details visit Hayfield Fell Races

Greater Manchester Schools' Championships

Becky Lyne at Gateshead International Games

Club coach Becky Lyne became the third fastest ever British 800 metres runner behind Kelly Holmes and Kirsty Wade.

The Harriers' juniors were again in top form at the Greater Manchester Schools' Championships at Trafford's Longford Stadium on last Saturday.

With wins from Georgina Wilkins in the junior girls 75 metre hurdles in 12.9, five Harriers got the English Schools' qualifying standard and will race at this year's finals at Gateshead on July 7/8th.

Lucy McLoughlin in the 1,500 metres with 4-38, Jess Coulson in the 3,000 metres with 9-50, Ross Millington 3-59.6 for the 1,500 metres, while in the senior 800 metres Claire McMurdock ran 2-15 and Ben Styles with a personal best of 1-54.1.

Stockport's schools athletics coach Becky Lyne ran the 800 metres at the Gateshead International, televised by BBC-TV, finishing second behind Kenyan Commonwealth champion Janeth Jeptosgei and posting the 4th fastest in the world this year with a 1-58.20, smashing her previous best by 2 seconds.

Becky, now coached by our own Dave Turnbull also became the third fastest ever British 800 metre runner, behind only Kelly Holmes and Kirsty Wade.

The Rainow 5

Report: Isaac

Stockport Harriers at the Rainow 5

The Rainow 5 saw a big turn-out for the Harriers. More photos

With temperatures still 24-25°C a lazy summer evening soaking up the rays of the falling sun seemed a fitting end to a glorious day. The gladiators of Stockport Harriers resplendent in their golden colours massed in the beautiful village of Rainow for in infamous "Rainow 5"

The weather had brought a large field together with nearly 200 runners massed at the start next to the Robin Hood pub, which was to become a sanctuary after the race.

"1, 2, 3... Go" was the unusual cry from the starter.

A fast first mile on dusty farm tracks kicked up clouds of dust, alongside running into the low sun this made visibility extremely difficult.

The course then veered left over farm land and over many obstacles, stiles and gates amongst them. A steady climb followed to the bottom of the hill that would lead to "White Nancy" (details and pictures of White Nancy). The climb up the 1-in-3 hill quickly brought many runners to a standstill with the "hands on knees" climbing technique becoming the favoured method of ascent.

From the top panoramic views of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire helped to reduce the pain of the climb. A rocky, undulating descent, brought the runners into a fast finish where they were greeted by the hoards of cheering supporters.

Finishing third overall Ged Cudahey in an excellent time of 34-23, second Harrier home was Tony Lee using an unusual running style in the home straight. Brian Holland continued his run of form passing fellow Harrier Sean Whewell in the latter stages of the race and holding him off at the line by 9 seconds.

Amber Whewell finished first under-20 lady, with excellent runs from the rest of the ladies' team some who had been caught out by the steepness of the climb up to "White Nancy" - a special mention also for Jackie Newton who once again seems to have found her 'racing shoes' finishing first lady Harrier.

Yet again it was a great evening for runners and spectators alike and all Harriers can be proud not only of their own personal performances but also the way they continue to represent the club.

Position Time Cat Name
3 34:23 M Ged Cudahey
6 36:12 MV50 Ben Gregory
25 38:56 MV40 Tony Lee
50 41:25 MV50 Brian Holland
53 41:34 MV40 Sean Whewell
57 42:20 MV40 Andy Smith
68 43:46 MV50 Gerrard Moss
81 44:56 FV40 Jackie Newton
86 45:19 MV40 Paul Toole
89 45:48 M Geof Spencer
90 45:52 FJ Amber Whewell
93 46:08 M Max Thickett
108 47:08 MV40 Anthony Ward
111 47:20 MV40 Colin Finney
119 48:41 MV60 Alan Dilkes
130 50:21 FV50 Ross Mann
136 51:14 F Ruth Lee
149 53:46 MV50 Ron Wilkinson
162 59:25 FV50 Elaine Devine
163 59:42 FV40 Janet Bowyer

Offerton 10K - it's on!

This year's Offerton 10K will go ahead thanks to new organiser Dave Norman of Up & Running Sports Hyde on Thursday 6th July at 7.30pm from Woodbank Stadium.

Help from club members will be needed on the night and there will be a prize draw for all involved.

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